The Power of Inspiration

I’m just coming off of a whirl wind four day of attending a local, award winning, writing conference. I have posted about When Words Collide before (Inspiration, Creativity and Community at When Words Collide), but every time I attend I end up completely compelled to share.

This year was my fourth time attending. Thus, only three years ago, I showed up at this massive conference and I didn’t know anybody. At that time, I had written my book ‘Just a Girl and a Bike’, but I had no idea how to put it together and get it out there. My goal was simply for even one person to read it and feel inspired and infused with belief in themselves. Well, I’ll be honest, tears are trickling right now as I write this, because that goal has been surpassed. And not just because I have been able to get my book into many hands of people who needed the message within, but because this time at When Words Collide I had a profound and touching experience.

The second time I attended When Words Collide, I signed up to give a presentation on steps to self-publish. I was terrified – I questioned what I really knew. But, I had learned that this conference was about sharing with each other what we had learned along the way. It was a fantastic experience. I did the presentation the next year, and again this year.

Continue reading “The Power of Inspiration” →

August 12, 2019 2

I’ve Been Through the Desert with a Horse with No Name

I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name

It felt good to be out of the rain

In the desert you can remember your name

‘Cause there ain’t no one for to give you no pain

La la la la la la la, la la la, la la

The words echoed through my mind. Distant voices of people that weren’t really there. I could hear the soft strums of the guitar. A guitar that wasn’t really there.

There really wasn’t anyone to give me any pain. Just me. And my bike. Continue reading “I’ve Been Through the Desert with a Horse with No Name” →

February 1, 2017 8

Fast and Gracious: Mel the Running Rabbit

{Welcome back my feature series on those who have inspired me on my journey. Today’s post is about one the fastest, most dedicated athletes I know. And, everyone loves her because she exudes positivity, encouragement and support. If you missed Strength and Spirit, My Warrior Friend be sure to check it out!!!}

The other day, as I finished one of my regular, moderate runs, I glanced at my running watch to see that I had accomplished about 5 km in about 34 minutes. Not bad, fairly consistent – I was happy with that. As I uploaded my data, I browsed around on Facebook, and came across Melissa’s results for the 10 km race she had just finished that morning. She had reached her goal, a personal best, and a time of 39:10 for 10 km!!! Wow, I thought. How does she do that?

finish-line — Melissa full of winning attitude

I am constantly thinking how does she do that when it comes to Melissa. It just seems that she is always accomplishing another amazing win! She has been most known for her running. She has been competing at many distances for a long time. Since I have met her, she has continuously expanded her horizons. She took on the road racing world with a bang. With only two seasons under her belt, she has already moved up a category and has multiple podium finishes. She has taken on cross country skiing with zest, and recently entered the world of cross biking. The whole time, she is chasing down and challenging her equally speedy husband, Reinier, who is clearly the passion of her life. During a recent foot injury when she could not bike or run, she focused on swimming – something that she knew nothing about. She simply looks at something, and does it. Continue reading “Fast and Gracious: Mel the Running Rabbit” →

November 7, 2016 8

Learning to Ride a Road Bike – An Adventure in Hitting the Ground

I have been road cycling for 13 years now. It has been an incredible journey. My bike has literally changed my life.

Before I met my bike (my beloved Trek 2000), I was the most unathletic person ever!!! I wouldn’t have believed for a second that I was one day going to be riding a fast bike on highways and up to the tops of mountains. I was completely uncomfortable with my physical being, and afraid of adventure.

Right after I married my husband, James, he bought us road bikes. It had been a passion of his in his younger years, and he was keen to re-immerse himself. I really had absolutely no idea what I was getting into.

Continue reading “Learning to Ride a Road Bike – An Adventure in Hitting the Ground” →

November 4, 2016 9

Quote Challenge Day 1: Face Your Fear

Thank you to Natalie from But Why for nominating me for this wonderful quote challenge.

“You call yourself a free spirit, a ‘wild thing’, and you’re terrified somebody’s gonna stick you in a cage’.

I love this quote. I love it for many reasons. I love this quote because it so accurately captures the essence of Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. She is a young woman, living alone in New York City, putting on a brave face as she struggles to look after herself, let alone the cat that she has taken in. The cat’s name is Cat to symbolize her belief that we as people do not own each other or other living beings. She displays a fierce attitude of independence, yet, she is terrified and barely making it. Her biggest fear is depending on someone else. Fred Baby, her only real friend and the man that she is falling for, bravely looks her in the eyes and tells her the truth.

I also love this quote because I think that many people can interpret it through their own eyes and within the context of their own lives.

It reminds me so completely of my own fear. I want more than anything to get on my bike and climb another mountain. Before a climb day, I am full of fire and complete confidence. When I get to the mountain, and look up at the monstrous beast staring me down, my true fear seeps from my pores, and I am reminded of how insignificant I am. Yet, I refuse to be caged inside. I would rather face my fear of what can happen on that mountainside than stay home.

Check out Natalie’s insightful quotes starting with Natalie’s Quote Challenge Day 1.

I now nominate Anthony from Today’s Perfect Moment and Paul from Life Changes.

The rules: Post three quotes across three different days, link to my blog, and nominate two new folks, if you choose to do so.

October 13, 2016 3